Dentist, Gregory Johnson, defeats Russell Head, in heads-up action, to take the first prize of $124,200, a seat in the World Series of Poker National Championships, and the coveted gold ring, in the World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event at Horseshoe Southern Indiana.
We would like to start off with a pun and say that Gregory Johnson’s victory at the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Main Event at Horseshoe Southern Indiana was like pulling teeth, but when you waltz into the final table holding 92bb life is not really like that.
The 63-year-old dentist, from Carmel Indiana, defeated Russell Head, in heads-up action, to take home the $124,200 first prize, a seat in the WSOP National Championships and of course, the coveted gold ring.
It was the 12th gold ring of the series and Johnson will be joined at the National Championships by the Southern Indiana Casino Champion, Charles “Woody” Moore. Incredibly, Moore has now qualified for five National Championships in succession—a feat never before completed by anyone alive or dead.
Each 360 players paid $1,675 to contribute towards the $540,000 prize pool —a casino record—and although Johnson had a tremendous chip lead entering the final table it still wasn’t going to be an easy ride.
The aforementioned Moore was on hand to try and repeat the success of Blair Hinkle and become the only player to win the same Main Event more than once. But in the end, he would have to settle for sixth place and that National Championship record.
The other stand out name to make the final table was Doug Carli. The man nicknamed “Rico” is the record holder for the most cashes in WSOPC history. His eighth place finish was his 88th Circuit cash of his career, and that’s 39 cashes more than the person sitting in second place—that man Moore again.
Speaking about his victory, the father of seven told the WSOP, “This is kind of like one of the most exciting things that’s ever happened to me. This is a lot more exciting than graduating from dental school. Mom and dad wouldn’t want to hear that, but it really is. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. The ring is the most exciting part to me. Actually winning and getting the validation.”
Amongst the notables to cash in the event were the former WSOP final tablist Peter Jetten (22nd), WSOP bracelet winner Aaron Steury (27th) and former WSOPC winner Jean Gaspard (30th).
The tour continues at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond on Thu 16, 2014.
WSOPC Horseshoe Southern Indiana Results
1st. Gregory Johnson – $124,200
2nd. Russell Head – $76,783
3rd. Brian Powell – $56,014
4th. Eric Wirthwein – $41,548
5th. Everett Lawrence – $31,298
6th. Charles Moore – $23,938
7th. Ryan Dersch – $18,576
8th. Douglas Carli – $14,623
9th. John Denman – $11,675
